The former Newcastle and Blackburn striker has defended the Reds forward following his inclusion in England's Euro 2012 squad, arguing that he is still adapting to life at Anfield.

LONDON (AP) West Ham striker Ricardo Vaz Te scored with three minutes remaining Saturday to take his team into the English Premier League with a 2-1 win over Blackpool in the promotion playoff final.

Sam Allardyce and Ian Holloway are both just 90 minutes away from sealing top flight football for their respective sides at the first time of asking as the Wembley showpiece looms

Paul Ince's son has been making waves in the Championship this season with Blackpool, which is bidding to return to the Premier League in Saturday's playoff final

COBHAM, England (AP) Injuries and suspensions to key Chelsea players could force manager Roberto Di Matteo to draft some reserve players into his squad for Saturday's Champions League final.

The Ecuador international also picks up the supporters' award and Goal of the Season for his effort against Blackburn Rovers despite an injury-hit campaign

Di Matteo's much-changed side created plenty of chances at Stamford Bridge but made victory harder than it should have been by failing to kill off the already relegated Rovers

The Blues host relegated Rovers on Sunday and will definitely be without the injured pair, but Roberto Di Matteo remains hopeful they will be fit for the Champions League final

The head of the top-flight governing body insists that the Lancashire outfit's Indian owners are suitable and says the club can bounce back from the Championship